This release corrects errors in estimates of Packaged software and associated licensing imports and exports contained in Table 3.1. As a consequence, figures have also been changed in the associated commentary. This reissue applies to the PDF and this Main Features.

INTRODUCTION

This publication presents results from an Australian Bureau of Statistics survey of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industries conducted in respect of 2004-05.

The definition of the ICT industry for the purposes of this publication is restricted to the Australian interpretation of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ICT industry definition. See paragraphs 3-6 of the Explanatory notes for more detail.

CHANGES IN THIS ISSUE

Business counts no longer appear in this publication but may be available on request, subject to caveats. See paragraph 24-25 of the Explanatory notes for more detail.

COMPARISONS TO PREVIOUS STATISTICS

A range of quality improvements were implemented for 2004-05 ICT industries survey. As a consequence, data presented in this publication are not directly comparable to those published in previous issues. See paragraphs 24-25 of the Explanatory notes for more detail.

ICT import, export and re-export data were compiled on a different basis to data presented in previous issues. See paragraph 26 of the Explanatory notes for further detail.

DATA QUALITY

When interpreting the results in this publication it is important to take into account factors that may affect the reliability of estimates. These factors are described in the Technical note.

INQUIRIES

For further information about these and related statistics, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or John Jones on Perth (08) 9360 5296.

SUMMARY COMMENTARY

INTRODUCTION

This publication presents results from the 2004-05 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industries survey. Data are predominantly presented for ICT specialist businesses. See the Glossary for a definition of ICT specialists.

EMPLOYMENT

At 30 June 2005, there were 274,132 persons employed in Australia's ICT industries. Of these employees, 89.1% (244,238 persons) were employed in ICT specialist businesses.

The Computer services industry grouping accounted for the largest proportion of total persons employed in ICT industries (41.1% or 112,738 persons), followed by Telecommunication services (27.1% or 74,198 persons) and Wholesale trade (24.6% or 67,542 persons).

INCOME

Total income for all ICT industries in 2004-05 was $103,350 million, of which almost three quarters was attributable to the Wholesale trade ($40,271 million) and Telecommunication services ($35,755 million) industry groups.

In 2004-05, ICT specialist businesses accounted for 89.1% ($92,119 million) of Total income. However, the proportion of total income earned by ICT specialist businesses varied considerably between industries, with the Electric cable and wire and Electronic equipment n.e.c. manufacturing industries reporting the lowest proportions (20.1% and 37.3% respectively).

ICT income totalled $87,012 million in 2004-05 (84.2% of Total income), almost all of which was attributable to ICT specialist businesses (99.6% or $86,698 million). Industries with the highest ICT income included Telecommunication services ($34,864 million), Computer wholesaling ($20,680 million) and Computer consultancy services ($19,546 million).

In 2004-05, Wages and salaries for all ICT industries totalled $17,204 million or 18.2% of total Operating expenses. At the industry level, Wages and salaries as a proportion of total Operating expenses were highest for Data processing services (38.2%) and Computer consultancy services (36.6%) and lowest for Computer wholesaling (8.6%) and Electrical and electronic equipment wholesaling n.e.c. (11.8%).

OPERATING PROFIT

Total Operating profit before tax (OPBT) for ICT industries in 2004-05 was $9,381 million. ICT specialist businesses reported an OPBT of $8,749 million over the same period.

Of all ICT industries, Telecommunication services reported by far the highest OPBT ($6,192 million), followed by Computer consultancy services ($1,156 million) and Computer wholesaling ($774 million). Computer maintenance services was the only industry to report a loss over the period (-$14 million).

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

ICT industries reported total Capital expenditure in 2004-05 of $7,510 million, most of which was attributable to the Telecommunication services industry (77.4% or $5,816 million). Other industries to report relatively high Capital expenditure included Computer consultancy services ($1,001 million), Electrical and electronic equipment wholesaling n.e.c. ($226 million) and Computer wholesaling ($202 million).

INDUSTRY VALUE ADDED

During 2004-05, total Industry value added (IVA) for ICT industries was $37,536 million. IVA for ICT specialist businesses totalled $34,975 million over the period.

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